By Tara Murray
Sarah Sansonetti knows it’s an exciting time to be joining the Richmond Football Club.
With the men’s side coming off AFL and VFL premierships and now the introduction of an AFLW side, there are plenty of things happening at the club.
The Northern Knights defender will be part of the first AFLW squad, having her named called out by the Tigers on Tuesday morning.
The Tigers took Sansonetti at pick 40.
Speaking after the draft, Sansonetti said it was the best feeling in the world.
“It’s pretty cool,” she said.
“I was alright, just concentrating on what I can control, and what I’ve done.
“Just amazing to hear Richmond call out my name, pretty surreal feeling.
“I’m really grateful they’ve given me this opportunity.”
Sansonetti spoke to the Tigers at the draft combine, but had no clue that they were going to pick her.
She said it was pretty special to be part of the first Tigers team.
“They’re riding a wave of momentum.
“It’s pretty exciting considering what they’ve done with their men’s team, even their women’s VFLW team.
“It’s just such a privilege to put on a black and yellow polo.
“It is pretty exciting and hopefully I can snap up an early game, show them what I can do and pay them back for giving me this opportunity.”
Sansonetti was one of five Knights players drafted on Tuesday.
Number one pick Gabby Newton, Nell Morris-Dalton and Britney Gutknecht are all headed to the Western Bulldogs.
Ciara Fitzgerald, who was taken at pick 87, joins Sansonetti at the Tigers.
Former Tiger Maddy Brancatisano is already at Tigerland, having been signed by the side earlier this year.
She spent last year at Melbourne.
There were five Northern Knights taken in this year’s draft.
Sansonetti said it was exciting to see the others also realise their football dreams.
She praised the work of the Knights for getting them to this point.
“They are the reason why we’re just as good as we are today and if we didn’t have those foundations if would be a lot harder.
“I can’t wait to see them play and get their opportunity, so happy for them as well.
“I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved.”
There wasn’t much time for Sansonetti to celebrate, having to return to studying ahead of her VCE exams.
